Surf leggings are great for a bit of extra warmth or sun protection while surfing or swimming. Photo: Carve Designs.
Typically when I surf, I wear a wetsuit or a bikini. But some days, when the sun is high overhead and the water is warm, I want something in between. Surf leggings are a happy medium between a full suit and trunking it – they’re comfortable while simultaneously offering much needed sun protection. They’re also versatile, allowing you to easily transition from dryland workouts or lunch in town to an afternoon surf session. Some leggings are made from sustainable materials, some are ultra-lightweight and comfy, and others are made from neoprene, offering a little added warmth.
What are the Best Surf Leggings?
Billabong Postcard From Paradise Surf Leggings ($39.95)
Sensi Graves Laura Leggings ($120)
Carve Designs Platte Tights ($92)
Roxy Wide Awake Fitness Leggings ($70)
Patagonia Women’s Endless Run Tights ($99)
Kassia + Surf Of Earth Leggings ($120)
What Makes a Good Pair of Surf Leggings?
When searching for a pair of surf leggings, there are a few things that I look for. I want them to be comfortable, offer sun protection, be affordable, and of course, be stylish.
Sun Protection
One of the biggest reasons I wear leggings is for sun protection. Most leggings note the UV rating either online or on the tag. The UV rating is definitely something I look for because I want to make sure I’m protected during long days on the water.
Comfort
I seek comfort in everything I wear, but I especially want my leggings to be comfortable. I look for a tight fit so they don’t bunch up in the water, but not so tight that they’re uncomfortable.
Style
It doesn’t affect performance, but it’s important to me that my leggings are stylish. I tend to wear my leggings for workouts, traveling, and surfing, so I want something that I feel good wearing all day long.
Cost
For reasons unknown to me, leggings tend to be pricey. While there are cheap options out there, the quality isn’t always as good. I take into consideration what I’m getting and weigh the cost accordingly.
Sun Protection: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Cost: 5/5
Overall: 4.75/5
Part of Billabong’s Surf Capsule collection, the Postcard From Paradise leggings are performance driven leggings specifically designed for surfing. Made from lightweight, recycled polyester, they are soft, lightweight, and breathable. The high-waist and wide waistband give them a slimming, flattering fit. They didn’t have a UV rating that I could find, but Billabong advertises them as surf leggings that offer sun protection. Given Billabong’s history, the claim can’t be too far off. The print is super fun and they offer a matching top, allowing for a groovy aesthetic in the lineup.
Check Price on Amazon.
Sun Protection: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Cost: 3/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Specifically designed for surfing and yoga, the Laura leggings offer all day comfort and protection from the elements. Featuring fabric with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50-plus that’s soft, breathable, and chlorine resistant, these leggings will keep you covered and comfy during long beach days. A standout feature is the wide, foldover waistband that allows you to wear the leggings as high- or low-rise. In an effort to be as sustainable as possible, the leggings are made from recycled fabrics and shipped in recycled packaging. Another fun feature are the two side pockets, perfect for stashing your phone and other essentials while on a land. With a fun print to boot, these leggings are ideal for wet and dryland activities – our only complaint is the high price point.
Check Price on Sensi Graves
Sun Protection: 5/5
Comfort: 4/5
Style: 4/5
Cost: 5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
For days when it’s not quite bikini or full-suit weather, Carve Design’s Platte Tights are the perfect happy medium. The Platte Tights offer one millimeter of insulation, allowing for that extra warmth on chillier days. Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, the tights feel a little stiff when you first put them on, but they quickly become comfortable as you work them in and offer the flex you need. Featuring UPF 50-plus fabric, the tights are water wicking, and wind resistant, making them a great choice for surfing. Available in two different color options, the Platte Tights include everything I’d want in a pair of surf tights at an affordable price.
Check Price on Amazon, REI, and Backcountry.
Sun Protection: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5
Style: 4/5
Cost: 5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Designed for dryland workouts, the Wide Awake leggings double as a surf legging, allowing you to easily transfer from sea to sand. The leggings feature a high-waist and a 7/8 cut, making them effortlessly stylish. Made from a blend of polyester and elastane, the leggings sport DryFlight water-repellent hydrophobic coating, which allows them to wick away moisture and dry quickly. A noteworthy feature is the back inseam pocket with a key loop, so you can keep your key secure while you shred. I personally like the print, but it may be a lot for some folks — I hope that Roxy adds more patterns in the future. Manufactured with a soft, stretch-resistant fabric, the Wide Awake leggings are comfortable and will no doubt be a staple in my closet for years to come.
Check Price on Amazon.
Sun Protection: 3/5
Comfort: 5/5
Style: 4/5
Cost: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Patagonia’s Endless Run Tights are designed for running, but they work well as surf tights, too. Fair Trade Certified sewn, the tights are made from 87 percent recycled materials. Constructed from a quick-drying fabric and designed to be ultra-breathable, the Endless Run Tights work well for land workouts and surfing. Featuring a mid-rise waist and a wide waistband, the tights are slimming while being nice and comfortable. Additionally, they include a pocket, which is great for stashing wax, but it’s only semi-secure, so be careful if you store keys there. For the most part, the tights offer good sun protection, but the mesh along the legs does let some sun in, so be sure and sunscreen up before paddling out. The price is a little steep but like all things Patagonia, these tights are high quality and will last.
Check Price on Patagonia, Backcountry, and Evo.
Sun Protection: 5/5
Comfort: 4/5
Style: 3/5
Cost: 3/5
Overall: 3.75/5
Kassia’s + Surf’s Of Earth leggings are unlike any other surf leggings you’ve ever seen. Featuring a funky, intergalactic print, these leggings are great for surf sessions, yoga, and everything in between. The high-waisted design allows for a secure yet flattering fit, so you don’t have to worry about your pants riding down mid-drop. The elastic waistband ensures a snug feel but it’s not quite as comfortable as some other options I’ve tried. Boosting UV 50 sun protection you can rest easy knowing you’ll be covered during long days in the sun. The price is a little steep, but the leggings are very well made and are sure to standout in any lineup.
Check Price on Backcountry.
Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.